Ceramic Tile Installation FAQ

• Dishwasher Problems & Ceramic Tile Floors
• Ceramic Tile Backerboard Installation - Floors

Dishwasher Problems & Ceramic Tile Floors

Are all dishwasher a standard height?

• It varies, but standard dishwasher height is about 34".

Is it best to install the floor tile before or after the installation of the new base cabinets?

• It can be done both ways and you will find that not only is it easier to tile before the cabinets are installed- it looks better too. In addition you will save so much time from not having to make cuts around the cabinets. Yes, you will be paying for tiles that will be covered by the cabinets, however, it is only a small fraction of the floor footage and should the cabinets ever need to be replaced the floor will not require repairs. If you have a dishwasher you will find that it's replacement or repair will be much easier because it was installed over the tile. Many homeowners have the tile installed after the kitchen was built and have difficulty removing the dishwasher due to floor height.

Do most dishwashers have a standard clearance height underneath? Do people usually tile under or just up to their current dishwasher? Any ideas?

• There is no need to tile under the dishwasher. It should have an adjustable toe kick. Tile about 1/4" under this plate and adjust the kick plate back when you are finished. Yes, this will make future repair or replacement of the dishwasher difficult but short of tearing out the kitchen cabinets there are few other options.

Ceramic Tile Backerboard Installation

How do you install perimeter expansion joints?.

• When installing tile or backerboard, leave a 1/4" gap where tile meets walls, cabinets, or other restraining surfaces. Fill this gap with a silicone or urethane caulk.

I have a few areas of slight unevenness either from compressing the backerboard wrong or not enough mud in certain areas. Is there a trick to pressing the backerboard into the thinset mortar bed?

• The thinset is applied to the underside of backerboards to provide a bed of support. Note that the thinset is not intended to bond the backerboard to the floor. Most manufacturers also recommend that each panel should be fastened to the subfloor using backerboard screws or nails installed every 6- 8" on center. The thinset mortar bed should be at least 1/4" - 3/8" thick. Uneven panel edges are a common complaint with backerboards. Adequate thinset coverage under the panels and a rubber mallet to tap them evenly in place will remedy this problem.

Is it important to leave 1/8" between backerboard panels or can they be touching? Which is better?

• Most manufacturers recommend an 1/8" gap between sheet edges.

Can you describe the taping method? Is the tape pressed into the 1/8" gap or do you fill the gap with mortar then tape on top of the line?

• Fill all backerboard joints with thinset (overlapping 2" - 4" on each side of the joint). Remember you are also trying to smooth the transition between backerboard panels that are not of even heights. Embed 2" wide fiberglass tape into the mortar and level it off using thinset and the flat end of your trowel. It is not necessary to press the tape into the 1/8" gap.

What is the best way to move a refrigerator over tile so you run the least chance of breaking the tile?

• If the refrigerator has wheels, consider rolling it over a thin sheet of plywood. The plywood will help to distribute the weight of the refrigerator. Two boards of equal thickness placed under each side of the refrigerator wheels will also work. If the refrigerator doesn't have wheels you can use an appliance dolly instead. Of course, the tile and grout job should be allowed to dry at least 24 hours before moving the appliances back.

What is the proper method to install backerboard on cement. Is thinset mortar acceptable?

• Most backerboards are not recommended for installation over concrete slabs.